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  4

  Help! I need info.

  by els in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  can anyone post the watchtower study article on apostates?

  i have no way to get a copy unless i make a special trip to raid a laundromat or hospital waiting room.

  els

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  betweenworlds

  Hehehehehe! See how cleverly we disguise ourselves??? We must do this in order to snare all the unsuspecting Jehovah's Witnesses we can Ahhhhh, is our evil work NEVER done?

  betweenworlds
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  4

  Help! I need info.

  by els in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  can anyone post the watchtower study article on apostates?

  i have no way to get a copy unless i make a special trip to raid a laundromat or hospital waiting room.

  els

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  betweenworlds

  Not sure which one you are looking for but this is a good example of the Watchtowers hatred of those nasty ol' 'postates

  This is from 7/1/94

  At Which Table Are You Feeding?"You cannot be partaking of the table of Jehovah and the table of demons."1 CORINTHIANS 10:21.

  THESE inspired words of the apostle Paul show that two figurative tables are set before mankind. Each table is identified by the kind of symbolic food placed upon it, and all of us are eating at one or the other. However, if we wish to please God, we cannot be feeding at his table and at the same time be nibbling at the table of demons. The apostle Paul warned: "The things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons. You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of the table of Jehovah and the table of demons."1 Corinthians 10:20, 21.

  2

  Pauls words remind us of the communion sacrifices that the ancient Israelites offered under Jehovahs Law. The altar of God was called a table, and the one bringing the animal to be sacrificed was said to have communion with Jehovah and with the priests. How? First, Jehovah shared in the sacrifice because the blood was sprinkled upon his altar and the fat was consumed by flames underneath. Second, the priest shared in that he (and his family) ate the roasted breast and right leg of the animal sacrificed. And third, the offerer shared by eating the rest of it. (Leviticus 7:11-36) Today, partaking of the table of Jehovah means that we give him the kind of worship that he requires, as exemplified by Jesus and his apostles. To do this, we must feed spiritually on what Jehovah provides through his Word and organization. The Israelites, who enjoyed special communion with Jehovah at his table, were forbidden to offer sacrifices to demons at their table. Spiritual Israelites and their "other sheep" companions are under the same divine prohibition.John 10:16.

  3

  How could one become guilty of partaking of the table of demons in our day? By serving the interests of anything opposed to Jehovah. The table of demons includes all demonic propaganda, which is designed to mislead and to turn us away from Jehovah. Who would want to feed his heart and mind on such poison? True Christians refuse to share in the sacrifices that most people today offer to the gods of war and riches.Matthew 6:24.Avoiding "the Table of Demons"

  4

  The question all of us face is, At which table am I feeding? We cannot escape the fact that we are obliged to eat at one table or the other. (Compare Matthew 12:30.) We would not knowingly want to be partaking of the table of demons. To do that would cost us the favor of the only true and living God, Jehovah. On the other hand, to partake of food only at Jehovahs table leads to our everlasting life in happiness! (John 17:3) There is a saying that a person is what he eats. Anyone, then, who wants to keep in good physical and mental health has to watch his diet. Just as high-fat junk food, though tastily prepared with chemical additives, does not contribute to our continued physical health, so the propaganda of this world laced with demonic ideas is bad figurative junk food that will corrupt our minds.

  5

  The apostle Paul foretold that during the last days, people would be led astray by the "teachings of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) Not only are such demonic teachings found in false religious beliefs but they are also widely promulgated in other ways. For example, we need to analyze and weigh what books and magazines we and our children read, what television programs we view, and what plays and films we watch. (Proverbs 14:15) If for recreation we read fiction, does it feature senseless violence, illicit sex, or occult practices? If we read nonfiction in order to be instructed, does it expound a philosophy or way of life "not according to Christ"? (Colossians 2:8) Are empty speculations presented, or is involvement in worldly social movements advocated? Does it foster the determination to get very rich? (1 Timothy 6:9) Is it a publication that subtly presents divisive teachings that are un-Christlike? If the answer is yes and we continue to read or view such material, we risk feeding at the table of demons. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of publications that promote worldly philosophies that seem so enlightened and current. (Ecclesiastes 12:12) But none of this propaganda is really new; nor does it work for ones benefit and betterment, any more than what Satan cunningly said to Eve worked for her betterment.2 Corinthians 11:3.

  6

  Therefore, when Satan invites us to taste his demonic junk food, how should we respond? As Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread. Jesus replied: "It is written, Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovahs mouth." And when the Devil offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory" if he would fall down and do an act of worship to Satan, Jesus responded: "Go away, Satan! For it is written, It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service."Matthew 4:3, 4, 8-10.

  7

  Jehovahs table and the table spread by his demonic enemies can never be reconciled! Oh, yes, it has been tried before. Recall the ancient Israelites in the days of the prophet Elijah. The people claimed to worship Jehovah, but they believed that other gods, such as Baal, promised prosperity. Elijah approached the people and said: "How long will you be limping upon two different opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, go following him; but if Baal is, go following him." Undeniably, the Israelites were hobbling "first on one leg then on the other." (1 Kings 18:21; The Jerusalem Bible) Elijah challenged the priests of Baal to prove the godship of their deity. The God that could bring fire down from heaven upon a sacrifice would prove to be the true God. Despite much effort, the priests of Baal failed. Then Elijah simply prayed: "O Jehovah, answer me, that this people may know that you, Jehovah, are the true God." Immediately fire from Jehovah shot down from heaven and consumed the water-drenched animal sacrifice. Stirred by the convincing demonstration of Jehovahs godship, the people obeyed Elijah and put all 450 prophets of Baal to death. (1 Kings 18:24-40) So today, we must recognize Jehovah as the true God and decisively turn to feeding only at his table if we have not already done so.The Faithful Slave Serves Jehovahs Table

  8

  The Lord Jesus Christ foretold that during his presence a "faithful and discreet slave" would provide spiritual food for his disciples: "Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings." (Matthew 24:45-47) This slave has proved to be, not any single individual, but the class of dedicated, anointed Christians. This class has put upon Jehovahs table the finest spiritual food for both the anointed remnant and the "great crowd." Now over four million strong, the great crowd have taken their stand with the anointed remnant for the universal sovereignty of Jehovah God and for his Kingdom by which he will sanctify his holy name.Revelation 7:9-17.

  9

  This faithful slave class has been using the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to provide spiritual nourishment for all of Jehovahs Witnesses. While Christendom and the rest of this system of things are starving for the lack of life-giving spiritual food, Jehovahs people are feasting. (Amos 8:11) This is in fulfillment of the prophecy at Isaiah 25:6: "Jehovah of armies will certainly make for all the peoples, in this mountain, a banquet of well-oiled dishes, a banquet of wine kept on the dregs, of well-oiled dishes filled with marrow, of wine kept on the dregs, filtered." As Isa 25 verses 7 and 8 show, this feast will continue everlastingly. What a blessing it is for all in Jehovahs visible organization now, and what a blessing it will continue to be in the future!Beware of the Poisonous Food on the Table of Demons

  10

  Food on the table of demons is poisonous. Consider, for example, the food dispensed by the evil slave class and the apostates. It does not nourish or build up; it is not wholesome. It cannot be, for the apostates have stopped feeding at Jehovahs table. As a result, whatever they had developed of the new personality is gone. What motivates them is, not holy spirit, but vitriolic bitterness. They are obsessed with only one aimbeating their former fellow slaves, as Jesus foretold.Matthew 24:48, 49.

  11

  For example, away back in 1909, the then president of the Watch Tower Society, C. T. Russell, wrote about those who turned away from Jehovahs table and then began to mistreat their former fellow slaves. The Watch Tower of October 1, 1909, said: "All who cut loose from the Society and its work, instead of prospering themselves or upbuilding others in the faith and in the graces of the spirit, seemingly do the reverseattempt injury to the Cause they once served, and, with more or less noise, gradually sink into oblivion, harming only themselves and others possessed of a similarly contentious spirit. . . . If some think that they can get as good or better provender at other tables, or that they can produce as good or better themselveslet these take their course. . . . But while we are willing that others should go anywhere and everywhere to find food and light to their satisfaction, strange to say, those who become our opponents take a very different course. Instead of saying in the manly fashion of the world, I have found something which I prefer; goodbye! these manifest anger, malice, hatred, strife, works of the flesh and of the devil such as we have never known worldly people to exhibit. They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness."

  12

  Yes, apostates publish literature that resorts to distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehood. They even picket Witness conventions, trying to trap the unwary. Hence, it would be a dangerous thing to allow our curiosity to move us to feed on such writings or to listen to their abusive speech! While we might not think it a risk for us personally, the hazard remains. Why? For one thing, some of the apostate literature presents falsehoods by means of "smooth talk" and "counterfeit words." (Romans 16:17, 18; 2 Peter 2:3) What would you expect from the table of demons? And while the apostates may also present certain facts, these are usually taken out of context with the goal of drawing others away from the table of Jehovah. All their writings simply criticize and tear down! Nothing is upbuilding.

  13

  Jesus said: "By their fruits you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:16) What, now, are the fruits of the apostates and their publications? Four things mark their propaganda. (1) Cleverness. Ephesians 4:14 says that they are "cunning in contriving error." (2) Prideful intelligence. (3) Lack of love. (4) Dishonesty in various forms. These are the very ingredients of the food that is on the table of demons, all of which is designed to undermine the faith of Jehovahs people.

  14

  And there is another aspect. To what have the apostates returned? In many cases, they have reentered the darkness of Christendom and its doctrines, such as the belief that all Christians go to heaven. Moreover, most no longer take a firm Scriptural stand regarding blood, neutrality, and the need to witness about Gods Kingdom. We, though, have escaped the darkness of Babylon the Great, and we never want to return to it. (Revelation 18:2, 4) As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by these rejecters of Jehovahs table who now verbally beat those who are helping us take in "healthful words"?2 Timothy 1:13.

  15

  Some may be inquisitive about accusations that the apostates make. But we should take to heart the principle at Deuteronomy 12:30, 31. Here Jehovah through Moses warned the Israelites about what to avoid once they dispossessed the pagan inhabitants of the Promised Land. "Watch out for yourself for fear you may be entrapped after them, after they have been annihilated from before you, and for fear you may inquire respecting their gods, saying, How was it these nations used to serve their gods? And I, yes, I, will do the same way. You must not do that way to Jehovah your God." Yes, Jehovah God knows how human curiosity works. Remember Eve, and also Lots wife! (Luke 17:32; 1 Timothy 2:14) Let us never give ear to what the apostates are saying or doing. Rather, let us be busy building people up and loyally feeding at the table of Jehovah!Only Jehovahs Table Will Remain

  16

  Shortly, the great tribulation will suddenly break out, moving quickly to a climax in "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Revelation 16:14, 16) It will reach a crescendo as Jehovah destroys this system of things and the figurative table at which the worlds nations have been feeding. Jehovah will also overthrow the entire invisible organization of Satan the Devil with its hordes of demons. Those who have continued to feed at Satans spiritual table, the table of demons, will be forced to attend a literal meal, no, not as partakers, but as the main courseto their destruction!See Ezekiel 39:4; Revelation 19:17, 18.

  17

  Only Jehovahs table will remain. Those who are appreciatively feeding at it will be preserved and will be privileged to eat there for all time to come. Never again will food shortages of any kind threaten them. (Psalm 67:6; 72:16) In perfect health they will serve Jehovah God in Paradise! At last the stirring words of Revelation 21:4 will be magnificently fulfilled: "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." With opposition a thing of the past, Jehovah Gods universal sovereignty will obtain everywhere forever and ever as endless divine favor pours upon redeemed mankind occupying the Paradise earth. To gain this reward, let all of us be determined to partake exclusively of Jehovahs table, which is brimming with the best of spiritual food!How Would You Answer?

  How can we avoid being misled by demonic teachings? Why can we not successfully feed both at Jehovahs table and at the table of demons? What kind of food is dispensed by apostates? Why is it dangerous to be curious about the charges of apostates? What are the fruits of the apostates?[Study Questions]1. What tables are set before us, and what warning does the apostle Paul give regarding them?

  2. (a) What table of Jehovah existed in the days of ancient Israel, and who shared in the communion sacrifices? (b) What does partaking of the table of Jehovah mean today?

  3. How could one become guilty of partaking of the table of demons in our day?

  4. What question do all of us face, and why would we not knowingly want to partake of the table of demons?

  5. How can we avoid taking in demonic teachings today?

  6. When Satan invites us to taste his demonic junk food, how should we, in effect, respond?

  7. Why are we deluding ourselves if we think we can successfully feed both at Jehovahs table and at the table of demons?

  8. What slave did Jesus foretell he would use to feed his disciples spiritually during his presence, and what is the slaves identity?

  9. What instrument has the slave class been using to provide spiritual food for Jehovahs Witnesses, and how is their spiritual feasting prophetically described?

  10. (a) What kind of food is dispensed by the evil slave class, and what is their motivation? (b) How do the evil slave class treat their former fellow slaves?

  11. What did C. T. Russell write as to ones choice of spiritual food, and how did he describe those who forsake Jehovahs table?

  12. (a) How do apostates beat their fellow slaves? (b) Why is it dangerous out of curiosity to feed on the writings of apostates?

  13, 14. What are the fruits of the apostates and their propaganda?

  15. What Bible principle helps us to take the wise course when we hear of accusations the apostates make?

  16. (a) What will shortly happen to Satan, his demons, and the figurative table at which the worlds nations have been feeding? (b) What will happen to all humans who continue to feed at the table of demons?

  17. What blessings come to those who feed exclusively at Jehovahs table?[Picture on page 10]Jehovahs table is brimming with the best of spiritual food

  Edited by - betweenworlds on 10 November 2002 23:7:52
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  Fun Apostate Gathering

  by Undecided in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i just got back from a great time at betweenworlds home.

  they invited me along with several others over for a great meal and fellowship.

  i want to thank steve and shelli for the invitation.

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  betweenworlds

  Hey Ken!!!

  Ditto :) We had a fantastic time. Glad that you could make it. Hope we can do it again soon.

  Shelli
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  13

  Old Picture of Dad & Me

  by Undecided in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  this is a picture of my dad and me having fun on the smith river near martinsville va. he built the boat.

  the motor was a johnson with a super charger.

  he loved life and having fun, too bad he died at 45 yrs old.

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  betweenworlds

  Awwww! What a great picture :) You look a lot like your dad! Thanks for sharing the pic with us

  Shelli
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  34

  Where were you born, raised, and live now?

  by gilwarrior in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  ah, yes, another fluffy topic!.

  ok, here is how is works.

  type where you were born, raised and where you live now.

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  betweenworlds

  Born: Rome, NY

  Raised: Rome, NY

  Currently live: Greensboro, NC
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  6/1/1997 Watchtower article

  by betweenworlds in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i was perusing the 1997 edition of the watchtower cd when i stumbled across this gem.. warning: the following paragraph may induce vomiting, so i suggest reading on an empty stomach.. the name of the article is "a secret christians dare not keep".

  they are not dogmatic either, nor proud.

  jesus himself set the proper example.

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  betweenworlds

  I was perusing the 1997 edition of the Watchtower CD when I stumbled across this gem.

  WARNING: The following paragraph may induce vomiting, so I suggest reading on an empty stomach.

  The name of the article is "A secret christians dare not keep"

  Paragraph 7 states:

  7

  In contrast with humans, who have a limited life span, Jehovah never feels pressured by time to reveal his secrets prematurely. This fact should prevent us from becoming impatient when certain Bible questions cannot presently be explained to our satisfaction. Modesty on the part of the faithful and discreet slave class, commissioned to provide the Christian household with food at the proper time, prevents it from presumptuously running ahead and wildly speculating about things that are still unclear. The slave class strives to avoid being dogmatic. It is not too proud to admit that as of now it cannot answer every question, keeping Proverbs 4:18 clearly in mind. But how thrilling to know that Jehovah, in his own due time and in his own way, will continue to reveal his secrets as to his purposes! Never should we become impatient with Jehovahs arrangement, indiscreetly trying to rush ahead of the Revealer of secrets. How reassuring it is to know that the channel Jehovah is using today does not do so! It is both faithful and discreet.Matthew 24:45; 1 Corinthians 4:6.

  hahahahahahahahaha! Modesty prevents it from speculating about things that are unclear huh? They are not dogmatic either, nor proud. And God forbid you even think about running ahead of "Jehovah's Arrangement(c)"

  It's so scary to think that I used to read stuff like this and it never dawned on me how ridiculous it was. Didn't even phase me. (shudder)

  betweenworlds

  omg I had to put in the whole thing. It just gets worse as it goes on. If Ciro didn't write this piece of $^ I would be very shocked. It sounds very similar to the crap he spouted in his tirade after 9/11

  A

  Secret Christians Dare Not Keep!

  "I have spoken to the world publicly. . . . I spoke nothing in secret."JOHN 18:20.

  THE Greek word myste'rion is translated in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures 25 times as "sacred secret" and 3 times as "mystery." A secret called sacred must be important indeed! Anyone privileged to gain knowledge of such a secret should feel highly honored, since he has been counted worthy to share a secret with the Supreme God of the universe.

  2

  Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words confirms that in most cases "sacred secret" is a more appropriate rendering than "mystery." It says of myste'rion: "In the [Christian Greek Scriptures] it denotes, not the mysterious (as with the Eng[lish] word), but that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by Divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illumined by His Spirit. In the ordinary sense a mystery implies knowledge withheld; its Scriptural significance is truth revealed. Hence the terms especially associated with the subject are made known, manifested, revealed, preached, understand, dispensation."

  3

  This explanation highlights a major difference between the mysterious religious groups that flourished in the first century and the newly formed Christian congregation. Whereas those initiated into secret cults were often bound by a vow of silence to guard religious teachings, Christians were never put under such a restriction. It is true that the apostle Paul spoke of "Gods wisdom in a sacred secret," calling it "hidden wisdom," that is, hidden from "the rulers of this system of things." It is not hidden from Christians to whom it had been revealed through Gods spirit so that they might make it public.1 Corinthians 2:7-12; compare Proverbs 1:20.

  The

  "Sacred Secret" Identified

  4

  Jehovahs "sacred secret" centers on Jesus Christ. Paul wrote: "[Jehovah] made known to us the sacred secret of his will. It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth. Yes, in him." (Ephesians 1:9, 10) Paul was even more specific about the nature of the "sacred secret" when he pointed to the need for "an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ."Colossians 2:2.

  5

  More, however, is involved, for the "sacred secret" is a secret with many facets. It is not simply the identification of Jesus as being the promised Seed or Messiah; it includes the role he is assigned to play in Gods purpose. It involves a heavenly government, Gods Messianic Kingdom, as Jesus clearly explained when he told his disciples: "To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted."Matthew 13:11.

  6

  A long period of time was to expire between the first mention of Gods purpose to provide a basis for the Messianic Kingdom and the bringing of "the sacred secret . . . to a finish." (Revelation 10:7; Genesis 3:15) Its being brought to a finish would occur with the Kingdoms establishment, as a comparison of Revelation 10:7 and 11:15 proves. In fact, some 4,000 years elapsed from the giving of the first Kingdom promise in Eden to the appearance of the King-Designate in 29 C.E. Another 1,885 years elapsed before the Kingdom was established in the heavens in 1914. Thus the "sacred secret" was progressively revealed over a period of almost 6,000 years. (See page 16.) Paul was indeed correct in speaking about "the revelation of the sacred secret which has been kept in silence for long-lasting times but has now been made manifest and has been made known."Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 3:4-11.

  7

  In contrast with humans, who have a limited life span, Jehovah never feels pressured by time to reveal his secrets prematurely. This fact should prevent us from becoming impatient when certain Bible questions cannot presently be explained to our satisfaction. Modesty on the part of the faithful and discreet slave class, commissioned to provide the Christian household with food at the proper time, prevents it from presumptuously running ahead and wildly speculating about things that are still unclear. The slave class strives to avoid being dogmatic. It is not too proud to admit that as of now it cannot answer every question, keeping Proverbs 4:18 clearly in mind. But how thrilling to know that Jehovah, in his own due time and in his own way, will continue to reveal his secrets as to his purposes! Never should we become impatient with Jehovahs arrangement, indiscreetly trying to rush ahead of the Revealer of secrets. How reassuring it is to know that the channel Jehovah is using today does not do so! It is both faithful and discreet.Matthew 24:45; 1 Corinthians 4:6.

  The

  Secret That Has Been Revealed Must Be Told!

  8

  Jehovah has not revealed his "sacred secret" to Christians for them to keep it hidden. It is to be made known, in harmony with the principle Jesus set down for all his followersnot just for a few clergymen: "You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain. People light a lamp and set it, not under the measuring basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines upon all those in the house. Likewise let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens."Matthew 5:14-16; 28:19, 20.

  9

  Jesus had no revolutionary intention of forming an underground organization of followers to pursue secret purposes. In the book Early Christianity and Society, Robert M. Grant wrote regarding the defense made of the early Christians by second-century apologist Justin Martyr: "If Christians were revolutionists they would remain in hiding in order to reach their goal." But how could Christians "remain in hiding" and at the same time be like "a city . . . situated upon a mountain"? They dared not hide their light under a measuring basket! The government, therefore, had nothing to fear from their activity. This writer went on to describe them as "the emperors best allies in the cause of peace and good order."

  10

  Jesus did not want his disciples to keep secret their identity as members of a so-called religious sect. (Acts 24:14; 28:22) Failing to let our light shine today would be displeasing both to Christ and to his Father, the Revealer of secrets, and it would not leave us happy.

  11

  Jehovah "does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11; Acts 17:30) The basis for forgiveness of the sins of repentant humans is faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for allnot for just a fewso that "everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) It is vital that people be helped to take the necessary steps that will qualify them to be judged as sheep, not goats, during the coming judgment.Matthew 25:31-46.

  12

  True Christianity is not to be hidden; it is to be made known in every appropriate way possible. Jesus himself set the proper example. When questioned by the chief priest about his disciples and his teaching, he said: "I have spoken to the world publicly. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret." (John 18:19, 20) In view of this precedent, what God-fearing person would presume to keep secret what God has declared must be made public? Who would dare hide "the key of knowledge" that leads to eternal life? Doing so, would make him like the religious hypocrites of the first century.Luke 11:52; John 17:3.

  13

  May no one ever be able to say that we as Jehovahs Witnesses have kept Gods Kingdom message secret! Whether the message is accepted or rejected, people must know that it has been preached. (Compare Ezekiel 2:5; 33:33.) Let us therefore take advantage of each and every opportunity to speak the message of truth to all, wherever we happen to meet them.

  Putting

  Hooks in Satans Jaws

  14

  In many places Jehovahs Witnesses are becoming more and more the center of media attention. Similar to what happened to the early Christians, they are often misrepresented and placed in the same category as questionable religious cults and secret organizations. (Acts 28:22) Might our openness in preaching make us more subject to attack? It certainly would be unwise, and not in keeping with Jesus counsel, to thrust ourselves into the midst of controversy unnecessarily. (Proverbs 26:17; Matthew 10:16) However, the beneficial work of Kingdom preaching and helping people to improve their lives is not to be hidden. It glorifies Jehovah, lifting him on high, directing attention to him and to his established Kingdom. The recent gratifying response to Bible truth in Eastern Europe and parts of Africa has partially been because of the increased openness with which the truth can now be preached there.

  15

  It is true that the openness with which Jehovahs Witnesses preach, the spiritual paradise they enjoy, and their prosperityboth in human resources and material assetsdo not go unnoticed. While attracting honesthearted ones, these factors may repel opposers. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17) In fact, this may eventually serve to lure Satans forces into attacking Gods people.

  16

  Should this be a cause for concern? Not according to Jehovahs prophecy found in Ezekiel chapter 38. It foretells that Gog of Magog, descriptive of Satan the Devil since his debasement to the vicinity of the earth after the Kingdoms establishment in 1914, will lead an attack on Gods people. (Revelation 12:7-9) Jehovah tells Gog: "You must say: I shall go up against the land of open rural country. I shall come in upon those having no disturbance, dwelling in security, all of them dwelling without wall, and they do not have even bar and doors. It will be to get a big spoil and to do much plundering, in order to turn your hand back upon devastated places reinhabited and upon a people gathered together out of the nations, one that is accumulating wealth and property, those who are dwelling in the center of the earth." (Ezekiel 38:11, 12) Verse 4 shows that Gods people need not fear this attack, however, because it is of Jehovahs doing. But why would God allowyes, even provokean all-out attack on his people? In verse 23 we read Jehovahs answer: "I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah."

  17

  Thus, rather than living in dread of Gogs attack, Jehovahs people look forward with anticipation to this further fulfillment of Bible prophecy. How thrilling to know that by prospering and blessing his visible organization, Jehovah inserts hooks into Satans jaws and draws him and his military force on to their defeat!Ezekiel 38:4.

  Now

  More Than Ever!

  18

  In modern times Jehovahs Witnesses have been very open in expressing their Bible-based views, even though this has not been popular. For decades they have warned of the dangers of smoking and drug abuse, the shortsightedness of permissive child training, the bad effects of entertainment saturated with illicit sex and violence, and the risks of blood transfusions. They have also pointed out the inconsistencies of the evolution theory. More and more people are now saying, "Jehovahs Witnesses are not wrong after all." Had we not been so open in making our views public, they could not react this way. And do not overlook the fact that by making such a statement, they are taking a step in the direction of saying, "Satan, you are a liar; Jehovah is right after all." What a powerful motivation for us to continue following Jesus example, publicly speaking the word of truth!Proverbs 27:11.

  19

  Jehovahs people have long understood their obligation in this regard. At a noteworthy convention in 1922, J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, thrilled his audience by saying: "Be sober, be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. Go forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom."

  20

  As important as these words were in 1922, how much more so 75 years later, when the revealing of Christ as Judge and Avenger is much closer! The message of Jehovahs established Kingdom and of the spiritual paradise enjoyed by Gods people is a "sacred secret" simply too grand to keep. As Jesus himself so clearly stated, his followers must, with the help of the holy spirit, be witnesses "to the most distant part of the earth" concerning his key place in Jehovahs eternal purpose. (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:8-12) In fact, as servants of Jehovah, the God who reveals secrets, we dare not keep this secret to ourselves
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  20

  ANOTHER TRADING SPACES THREAD

  by kheli in

  1. social
  2. entertainment

  who out there watches this show?

  i enjoy the show (i usually find myself laughing at the disaster designs).. any comments about the show?

  what do you think about the "graveyard" designer?

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  betweenworlds

  Hey Shakita...found this online :)

  Laurie Welcomes Baby Boy

  'Trading Spaces' designer Laurie Hickson Smith gave birth to a baby boy named Gibson Witherspoon on Wednesday August 14, 2002. Baby Gibson weighs 8 lbs 6 oz, and is 21.5 inches long.
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  1

  Meetup in Greensboro, NC for 11/9

  by betweenworlds in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the meetup is going to be at our house on the 9th this month instead of the place assigned by the ex-jw meetup site :).

  if you read this smokeeater drop me an email and let me know if you can make it!

  i saw that you said you wanted to attend the meetup at the meetup homepage, but alas i can't find your email!.

  1. 
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  betweenworlds

  The meetup is going to be at our house on the 9th this month instead of the place assigned by the ex-jw meetup site :)

  If you read this smokeEATER drop me an email and let me know if you can make it! I saw that you said you wanted to attend the meetup at the meetup homepage, but alas I can't find your email!

  Hope you can make it as well Ken.

  Looking forward to seeing you all again.

  Shelli
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  8

  New WTBS Fun.

  by Trauma_Hound in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  kingdom hall fun.

  i was around thinking about some things to do, the next time you happen to be in a kingdom hall (ack).. 1. at the memorial, partake of the emblem, when you get the unlevened bread passed to you, whip out a packet of peanut, butter and jelly, and a butter knife, spread some on one of the peices of the bread, and chow down.

  make a remark to yourself, about having to do something about the taste, they're kind of plain you know.. 2. when you get passed the whine, chug the entire glass, and ask for a refill, alternativly, just the entire glass, and state, at least they could have gotten a better wine.. 3. at the next df'ing, right after they make the announcement, boo and hiss.

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  betweenworlds

  7. During the songs, sing every note, except the ones that are in the song book,

  LOL, isn't that the way they are sung at every hall anyhoo?

  (chuckling at trauma's post)

  Thanks for the laughs

  BW
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  59

  Stupid Rules - LIST!!!! ( CONTEST )

  by breeze in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  stupid rules list....

  i will start.... number 1) two people have to witness a sin before it is reported to the superior authorities....making me the org the last word in all areas.. the most stupid rule gets to post it once the gb has judged it the most stupid?

  maybe simon will be one of the judges..... breeze

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  betweenworlds

  There was an older brother in our hall who wouldn't play cards or dice because he said they were demonized. sheesh!